A number of different Austin’s manufactured
during the 1950’and 1960’s were given
the A40 designation, due to Austin’s naming
scheme derived from the approximate engine output
in horsepower.
Austin’s therefore sold under
the A40 model designation included the
1947–1950 Austin A40 Dorset 2 door saloon,
the 1947–1952 Austin A40 Devon 4-door saloon,
the 1950–1953 Austin A40 Sports 2-door roadster,
the 1952–1954 Austin A40 Somerset 4-door saloon,
the 1954–1956 Austin A40 Cambridge 4-door saloon
and, most noteably, the 1958–1967 Austin A40
Farina 2-door saloon/hatchback.
It is this last iteration
that was best, and most fondly remembered in Australia.
First introduced in 1958, it would remain in production
until 1967, after which time over 340,000 had been
manufactured.
The wonderful and innovative body style
came courtesy of Pinin Farina (thus the name), and
the best feature was undoubtedly the revolutionary “hatchback” style,
a world first.
The
A40 was also produced under licence by Innocenti
in Italy in both Berlina (saloon) & Combinata
(countryman) versions. A40 Farina CKD kits were assembled
here in Australia, and also in New Zealand, Mexico,
South Africa, Holland, Belgium and Ireland. British
built A40 exports even traveled as to both Norway
and Sweden, where they were known as the A40 Futura.
Selling the car was a marketers dream - particularly
given the low cost and innovative design. The following
extract is from an A40 Farina brochure: "Exciting
to drive! Brilliant in appearance and performance,
and styled by Farina of Italy this new Austin A40 is
a most attractive investment and starts a new trend
in motoring fashion. Initially low in cost, it is easy
and cheap to maintain, but nevertheless built to the
same stringent standards that one expects from Austin.
You will be thrilled with its handling qualities. Visibility
all round is excellent - there is no difficulty in
manoeuvring this car, however restricted the space
may be. Step inside and see just how big the interior
really is - how comfortable and relaxing the ingenious
design has made it. And on the road, note also the
quietness of the ride, the absence of dust and draught
- for the body of this car has been extensively sealed
and insulated against road noise. You cannot lock yourself
out of the A40!
Both doors and windows can be locked
from inside and outside, but the design is such that
the doors cannot be slam-locked from outside. Whatever
your choice of color and interior trim there is certain
to be a pleasing combination to suit your taste, for
the range is wide, being carefully matched and selected
by color experts.”
The Mk I and early Mk II cars were powered by the 948cc
A-Series engine, with the later Mk II cars being powered
by the 1098cc version. Many of the mechanical parts
used on the cars were derived from the A30/35 series
and the A40 had much in common with them, along with
its successor the Ausin 1100/1300.
The most noticeable
difference between the MkI and the Mk II is the wider
grille. Other changes were a new instrument panel and
other refinements to the interior, such as a winding
mechanism for the door windows (on the Mk I you had
to lower and lift the window by hand). Engine size
was increased from 948cc to 1098cc.